Question 19
Set 2
Contents
QQuestion
Plant Description
I. Cassava : Woody shrub
II. Ginger : Herb with pseudostem
III. Malabar spinach : Herbaceous climber
IV. Mint : Annual shrub
V. Papaya : Woody shrub
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
OOptions
✓Correct Answer
DDalvoy Solutions
Analyzing each plant-description pair:
I. Cassava - Woody shrub: Incorrect. Cassava is a herbaceous perennial plant with woody stems, but it's more accurately described as a shrubby herb rather than a true woody shrub.
II. Ginger - Herb with pseudostem: Correct. Ginger is an herbaceous plant that has a pseudostem (false stem) formed by overlapping leaf sheaths, similar to banana plants.
III. Malabar spinach - Herbaceous climber: Correct. Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is indeed a herbaceous climbing vine that grows by twining around supports.
IV. Mint - Annual shrub: Incorrect. Mint is typically a perennial herb, not an annual shrub. It spreads through runners and can be quite persistent.
V. Papaya - Woody shrub: Incorrect. Papaya is better described as a large herbaceous plant or tree-like herb with a hollow trunk, not a woody shrub.
SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips
For plant classification questions, distinguish between true woody plants, herbaceous plants, and growth habits (climbing, shrub, tree). Consider the botanical accuracy of descriptions rather than common perceptions.